Nearly Half of Tropical Coral Species Face Extinction Threat

A new IUCN report highlights the severe impact of climate change on coral reefs as COP29 climate talks proceed in Baku.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has updated its Red List, indicating that 44% of reef-building coral species are at risk of extinction due to rising ocean temperatures.
The report was released during COP29 in Baku, where many major polluting nations' leaders are notably absent.
Coral reefs, essential for marine biodiversity, food supply, and coastal protection, are severely threatened by bleaching events caused by climate change.
The IUCN emphasizes the urgent need for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to prevent further degradation of coral ecosystems.
In addition to climate change, pollution, disease, and unsustainable fishing practices are exacerbating the decline of coral species, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.